Author and Anti-Hero

Not Dead Yet

There’s some health rumors floating around the Internet involving both myself and J.F. Gonzalez, and I’ve started to get emails about it, and how it impacts LIBRA NIGRUM SCIENTIA SECRETA so I guess a statement is in order.

Let’s start with me. The vision in my left eye is rapidly deteriorating. In about a year, if I don’t get surgery, I’ll be blind in that eye. Right now, the only impact is frequent headaches and the inability to read or stare at a computer screen for too long, which has led me to slow down on both reading manuscripts, reading for pleasure, and writing. But I have options (if not health insurance), and a year to plan/save money for surgery, etc. In the long run, this impacts nothing. Absolute worse case scenario — I get to be Snake Plissken every year for Halloween, which is rad. But I don’t think it will come to that.

Meanwhile, J.F. is currently hospitalized with lymphoma. Please respect his privacy and the privacy of his family. The only reason I’m mentioning it here is because a) some folks have emailed me to ask how it will impact LIBRA NIGRUM SCIENTIA SECRETA and b) some folks got their rumors mixed up and thought I was the one who had it. You have our assurances that this will not impact the book, as the book was already written before his diagnosis. Right now, the book is in production (and up for pre-order). The only two tasks J.F. and I still have on it are to proofread the galleys and sign signature sheets. I can handle the first, and we can do the latter together (though it may take a little longer than normal).

Again, I cannot stress enough PLEASE RESPECT HIS PRIVACY and avoid emailing or messaging. The man is recuperating and will be fine, but he’s also extremely tired, and simply does not have the time or energy to be answering emails, calls, Facebook messages, tweets, etc. If you want to show him your support, the absolute best way you can do that is to buy one of his books rather than sending a message.

And, quite frankly, the same holds true for me. My primary focus right now, after my loved ones, is to finish proofing manuscripts and get as much writing done as possible, just in case there’s a temporary point where I can’t. Email and such are way down on the list of priorities. I’ll get to them as I am able.

So, that’s what’s going on. If somebody tells you today that they read I was dead, you tell them that, like Snake Plissken, it’s not true, and I’m still here, and I see all.

And so does J.F.

And we’ll be sending some Clickers around to visit those people shortly.

Hope both of you get the rest and care you deserve and need. In the meantime, as long as I’m getting paid, I’ll be picking stuff up from both of you. Prayers and good thoughts to you guys! (Feel free to send some Clickers if you’d like)

You have my deepest and sincerest best wishes Brian. I pray for your recovery and future surgery to be a 100% success. Until then both you and J.F. have my continued support with both your old catalog and new to be released books. Take care of yourself.

I’m so sorry to hear about these health problems, Brian. Best wishes to both you and J.F. for full recoveries. My hubbie recently suffered a torn retina and was able to undergo (outpatient!) laser surgery that saved his vision. There are so many advances that have been made in this sort of thing. I don’t know the specifics of your condition (and I’m not fishing for details, honest), but I just wanted to give you a data point to suggest that there’s hope. Take good care of yourself.

Brian-I am so sorry to hear of another health issue for you-for someone who brings so much joy to the world through his writings, and someone who so obviously loves life and everything about it, fate seems to be kicking you in the teeth quite a bit these last few years. Please hang in there!! You have made a difference in so many peoples lives!!